Modular wall assembly for a cosmetic fixture system

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a merchandise display system having a modular wall assembly configured to provide electrical power to one or more shelf assemblies. The wall assembly can include a vertically oriented back panel, a cross bar horizontally and detachably mounted to the back panel, a pair of vertical uprights and a top cap. The pair of vertical uprights can be detachably mounted to the cross bar with each of the vertical uprights having an electrically non-conductive portion and an electrically conductive portion. The electrically conductive portion can be electrically isolated from the cross bar by the electrically non-conductive portion. The top cap can be disposed along an upper edge of the back panel and in electrical contact with electrically conductive portion of each of the vertical uprights.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to and benefitof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/581,056, filed on Dec. 23, 2014,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. This application also claims priority to and benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/920,388, filed Dec. 23, 2013, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.This application also claims priority to and benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/920,426, filed Dec. 23, 2013, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate tomodular wall assemblies that can be configured with shelving assembliesto hold or display merchandise in a retail environment.

BACKGROUND

Conventional merchandise display systems are often constructed toaccommodate a fixed arrangement of products using product specific walland shelving solutions. As a result of the limited arrangements andflexibility of conventional merchandise display systems, retail entitiesmay be incapable of adapting or incapable of efficiently adapting to newproduct packaging or display configurations with their existinghardware/fixture inventor.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are related to modularwall assemblies that can be configured to hold or display merchandise ina retail environment. The wall assemblies can receive reconfigurableshelf assemblies to form a merchandise display system that can bereconfigured to change or adapt to display requirements, productrequirements, or a combination of display and product requirements. Forexample, exemplary embodiments of the wall assembly can support modularcomponents that can be assembled to accommodate different productdimensions and/or product packaging to overcome the limitation ordisadvantages of conventional merchandise display systems and canprovide retail or wholesale entities with a flexibility to reconfigurethe merchandise display system to meet their needs.

In an exemplary embodiment, a modular wall assembly can be configured toprovide electrical power to a shelf assembly. The wall assembly caninclude a vertically oriented back panel and a cross bar that can behorizontally and detachably mounted to the back panel. The modular wallassembly can include a pair of vertical uprights detachably mounted tothe cross bar with each of the vertical uprights having an electricallynon-conductive portion and an electrically conductive portion. Theelectrically conductive portion of the vertical uprights can beelectrically isolated from the cross bar by the electricallynon-conductive portion. The wall assembly can further include a top capdisposed along an upper edge of the back panel, which can be placed inelectrical contact with electrically conductive portion of each of thevertical uprights.

Some embodiments are directed towards a merchandise display systemincluding a wall assembly and a shelf assembly. The wall assembly caninclude a vertically oriented back panel, a cross bar that can behorizontally and detachably mounted to the back panel, a pair ofvertical uprights that can be detachably mounted to the cross bar. Thewall assembly can include a top cap disposed along an upper edge of theback panel and in electrical contact with the pair of vertical uprightsto provide electricity. The shelf assembly can include an area to holdmerchandise for display. A pair of electrically conductive support armsextends from the shelf assembly to facilitate detachably mounting theshelf assembly to the wall assembly. When the electrically conductivearms are mounted to the vertical uprights, the pair of electricallyconductive arms can be in electrical contact with the pair of verticaluprights to receive electricity from one of the vertical uprights. Theshelf assembly can include circuitry having a light source and thecircuitry can selectively engage the electrically conductive arms toenergize the light source.

In some embodiments, each end of the cross bar can have a bracket andthe back panel can be configured to receive the bracket at each end ofthe cross bar to detachably couple the cross bar to the vertical supportstructure. In some embodiments the cross bar can include a plurality ofmating members disposed along a length of the cross bar and the pair ofvertical uprights can include openings configured to receive the matingmembers to detachably couple the vertical upright to the crossbar.

In some embodiments, the electrically non-conductive portion can beformed as a frame and the electrically conductive portion can be formedas an insert supported by the frame. In some embodiments the insert canhave an elongate body that extends a length of the frame. The elongatebody can include openings distributed along the length. The openings canbe configured to receive the electrically conductive arms of shelfassemblies to position the shelf assemblies at different heights. Insome embodiments, the frame can include a first channel formed along alongitudinal side edge of the frame and a pair of channels that includesa second channel opposingly spaced from and open towards a thirdchannel.

In some embodiments, the wall assembly can include a power supplymounted to the back panel. The power supply can be electrically coupledto the top cap to provide electricity to the top cap.

In some embodiments, the wall assembly can include a recessed surface ofa vertically oriented back panel, configured to be recessed with respectto the vertical support structure. In some embodiments, the wallassembly can include a flushed surface of the vertically oriented backpanel, configured to be flush with respect to the vertical supportstructure. In some embodiments, the cross bar can include a bracketextending outwardly from a recessed surface of the vertically orientedback panel. The bracket can be configured to bridge a gap created by therecessed surface. In some embodiments the cross bar can include aplurality of brackets to attach to a plurality of mounting geometries onthe vertically oriented back panel.

Some embodiments are directed to a method of configuring areconfigurable merchandise display. The method includes securing a crossbar to the back panel and securing two or more vertical uprights to thecross bar. The first vertical uprights can include an electricallynon-conductive portion and an electrically conductive portion. Theelectrically conductive portion can be electrically isolated from thecross bar by the electrically non-conductive portion. The methodincludes securing a top cap to be in electrical contact between two ormore of the vertical uprights and securing a shelf assembly to two ormore of the vertical uprights. The shelf assembly can include an areaconfigured to hold merchandise for display, a pair of electricallyconductive support arms extending from the shelf assembly, andcircuitry. The circuitry can selectively engage the electricallyconductive arms. The electricity can flow from the top cap through afirst one of the vertical uprights to a first one of the electricallyconductive arms to supply the electricity to the circuitry and flow fromthe circuitry through a second one of the conductive arms and a secondone of the vertical uprights back to the top cap.

Any combination or permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Otherobjects and features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein like reference numerals identify like elements. It is to beunderstood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustrationonly and not as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In thedrawings, each identical or nearly identical component that isillustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. Forpurposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in everydrawing. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict exemplary embodiments of a merchandize displaywall system.

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of awall assembly of a merchandise display wall system.

FIG. 3 depicts a partially exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of awall assembly.

FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical support structure and a cross bar to form a wall assembly.

FIG. 5A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofan upper cross bar of a wall assembly.

FIG. 5B depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother upper cross bar of a wall assembly.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an upper crossbar bracket of a wall assembly.

FIG. 7A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of alower cross bar of a wall assembly.

FIG. 7B depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother lower cross bar of a wall assembly.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a lower crossbar bracket of a wall assembly.

FIG. 9 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofstill another upper cross bar of a wall assembly.

FIG. 10 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofstill another lower cross bar of a wall assembly.

FIG. 11 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical support structures and a universal cross bar assembly to form acomposite wall assembly.

FIG. 12 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of across bar attachment arrangement of a wall assembly.

FIG. 13 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother cross bar attachment arrangement of a wall assembly.

FIG. 14 depicts a front perspective view illustrating an attachment ofexemplary vertical uprights to a vertical support structure via crossbar assemblies in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical track upright of a wall assembly.

FIG. 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical upright of a wall assembly.

FIG. 17 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother vertical upright of a wall assembly.

FIG. 18 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother vertical track upright of a wall assembly.

FIG. 19A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa left upright end assembly of a wall assembly.

FIG. 19B depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother left upright end assembly of a wall assembly.

FIG. 20A depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of aleft upright end assembly of a wall assembly.

FIG. 20B depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother left upright end assembly of a wall assembly.

FIG. 21A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa right upright end assembly of a wall assembly.

FIG. 21B depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother right upright end assembly of a wall assembly.

FIG. 22A depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of aright upright end assembly of a wall assembly.

FIG. 22B depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother right upright end assembly of a wall assembly.

FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary interaction between a vertical upright anda horizontal cross bar in accordance with exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power supply being mountedto a wall assembly.

FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary embodiment of front panels being attachedto the wall assembly.

FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary embodiment of top caps being operativelycoupled to a wall assembly.

FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a front perspective view ofthe top cap operatively coupled to a wall assembly.

FIG. 28 depicts a more detailed view of an interaction between the topcap and a wall assembly.

FIG. 29 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a top capof a wall assembly.

FIG. 30 depicts a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofan interior to a top cap assembly of a wall assembly.

FIG. 31 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of anothertop cap of a wall assembly.

FIG. 32 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe wall assembly showing electrical connections between top caps of awall assembly.

FIG. 33 depicts a front perspective view of an assembled wall assemblywith shelf assemblies, or portions thereof, being attached to a wallassembly in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 34 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary shelf assemblyin accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary light sourceinterfacing with a base frame that can be used to form a shelf assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directedto merchandise display systems that can include modular wall assembliesand reconfigurable shelf assemblies that can be mounted to the wallassemblies. Exemplary embodiments of the wall assemblies can include avertically support structure having a vertically oriented back panel.One or more cross bars can be horizontally and detachably mounted to theback panel and two or more vertical uprights can be detachably mountedto the cross bars. In exemplary embodiments, the vertical uprights canhave an electrically non-conductive portion and an electricallyconductive portion. A top cap can disposed along an upper edge of theback panel and can be placed in electrical contact with electricallyconductive portion of each of the vertical uprights. Exemplaryembodiments of the shelf assembly can include an area configured to holdmerchandise for display and a pair of electrically conductive supportarms extending from the shelf assembly, which can be utilized todetachably couple the shelf assemblies to the wall assembly. Circuitrycan be included in the shelf assembly, which can be configured to be inelectrical communication with the conducting portion of at least one ofthe vertical uprights via the electrically conductive arms.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the limitationsand disadvantages of conventional merchandise display systems, which areoften constructed to accommodate a fixed arrangement of products usingproduct specific wall and shelving solutions. While some conventionalmerchandise display systems provide flexibility for limited arrangement,the components of such systems can be bulky and the process forrearranging the display systems can be cumbersome and time consuming. Asa result of the limited arrangements and flexibility of conventionalmerchandise display systems, retail entities may be incapable ofadapting or incapable of efficiently adapting to new product packagingor display configurations with their existing hardware/fixture inventor.To address this issue, some retail entities using conventionalmerchandise display systems may be required to purchase new packagingspecific hardware/fixture solutions (which may not integrate with theirexisting inventory) to accommodate new product packaging or displayconfigurations; thereby increasing the size and cost of thehardware/fixture inventory maintained by the retail entity. Exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure overcome the limitations anddisadvantages of conventional merchandise display systems by supportingmodular components that can be assembled to accommodate differentproduct dimensions and/or product packaging and can provide retail orwholesale entities with a flexibility to reconfigure the merchandisedisplay system to meet their needs.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict exemplary embodiments of reconfigurable shelfassemblies 106 that can be mounted to a wall assembly 130 to form amerchandise display wall system 100. Each of the shelf assemblies 106can be configured to hold or display retail products in a retailenvironment. In the present embodiment, the merchandise display wallsystem 100 includes various configurations of the shelf assemblies 106including a brush display shelf assembly 104, a peg hook shelf assembly108, a divider tray shelf assembly 110, a Bon Bon tray shelf assembly112, and a trim tray shelf assembly 114. In exemplary embodiments, oneor more of the reconfigurable shelf assemblies 106 can be mounted to thevertical support structure 132 in one or more configurations to form themerchandise display wall system 100. For example, one or more of theshelf assemblies 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114 can be mounted to thewall assembly 130. Exemplary embodiments of the shelf assemblies 106 aredescribed in more detail herein and in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/920,426 entitled “Modular Shelf Assembly for a Cosmetic FixtureSystem” filed on Dec. 23, 2013, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety and for all purposes.

The shelf assemblies 106 can be selectively coupled to the electricallyconductive vertical uprights 118 of the wall assembly 130. For example,the shelf assemblies 106 can include a pair of electrically conductivesupport arms extending from the shelf assemblies 106 to attach the shelfassemblies 106 to the wall assembly 130. The wall assembly 130 can beconfigured to provide electricity to the shelf assemblies 106 via thevertical uprights 118 to power circuitry associated with the shelfassemblies 106. For example, the shelf assemblies 106 can includecircuitry including a light source, which can illuminate one or moreareas around the shelf assemblies 106. When the electrically conductivearms engage the wall assembly 130, electricity flows from the verticaluprights 118 through the electrically conductive arms 343 (FIG. 34) andto the circuitry to energize the light source.

In exemplary embodiments, the merchandise display wall system 100 canhave a reconfigurable arrangement allowing for one or more of the shelfassemblies 106 to be reset, removed or rearranged, either as a group orindependent of one another. Reconfiguration may be used to adapt to newproduct displays or to adapt to retail facility resets.

In some embodiments the shelf assemblies 106 can be adjustably spacedalong the wall assembly 130. For example, the shelf assemblies 106 maybe attached to the wall assembly 130 with uniform spacing between theshelf assemblies 106 or may be attached to the wall assembly 130 withdifferent or variable spacing between the shelf assemblies 106.

In some embodiments, the merchandise display wall system 100 can includeone or more light boxes 116. The one or more light boxes 116 may beplaced towards a top of the merchandise display wall system 100 orbetween one or more of the shelf assemblies 106. The one or more lightboxes 116 may have a fixed light characteristic or may have variablecharacteristics. The light characteristics may depend on a location atwhich the merchandise display wall system 100 is disposed in thefacility (e.g., a retail store), a time of day, particular productscontained/supported by the shelf assemblies 106 of the merchandisedisplay wall system 100, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the light box 116 may be configured to produce varying orchanging colors or intensities of light.

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of awall assembly 130 of the merchandise display wall system 100 shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. In the present embodiment, the wall assembly 130,includes a vertical support structure 132, a ledge 134, a front basesupport structure 138, and a rear base support structure 136. The wallassembly 130 can include the vertical uprights 118, front panels 120,top caps 122, and a power supply 126. In exemplary embodiments, one ormore of the vertical uprights 118, the front panels 120, the top caps122, or the power supply 126 can be operatively mounted to the verticalsupport structure 132.

In some embodiments, the wall assembly 130 can have a reconfigurablearrangement allowing for the spacing between the vertical uprights 118and the corresponding front panels 120 to have varying horizontaldimensions. In some embodiments, the wall assembly 130 can have areconfigurable arrangement allowing for one or more of the front panels120 to be reset, removed or rearranged, either as a group or independentof one another. Reconfiguration can be used to adapt to new productdisplays or to adapt to retail facility resets.

FIG. 3 depicts a partially exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of awall assembly 130. Referring to FIG. 3, the wall assembly 130 caninclude upper cross bars 124, a lower cross bar 128, the verticaluprights 118, the front panels 120, the top caps 122, the power supply126, and the vertical support structure 132. In exemplary embodiments,the vertical support structure can include a ledge 134, a rear basesupport structure 136, a front base support structure 138, a top supportstructure 140, and a back panel 142. As shown in FIG. 3, the topstructure 140 can extend along an x-axis across width W of the verticalsupport structure 132 to define a top terminal end of the verticalsupport structure 132. The vertical support structure 132 can extenddownward from the top support structure 140 along a y-axis to the ledge134 to define the back panel 142 of the vertical support structure 132,which has side edges 143. In exemplary embodiments, a surface 145 of theback panel 142 can include openings (e.g. slots, hole, etc.) distributedon the back panel. The openings can be configured to facilitate mountingof the cross bars 124 and 128 to the vertical support structure 132. Thesurface 145 of the back panel 142 extends between the side edges 143 ofvertical support structure 132 along the x-axis and between the topsupport structure 140 and the ledge 134 along the y-axis such that aperimeter of the back panel 142 is defined by the top support structure140, side edges 143, and the ledge 134.

The upper cross bars 124 and/or the lower cross bar 128 can be attachedto the back panel 142 of the wall assembly 130. For example, the uppercross bars 124 and the lower cross bar 128 can be configured tofacilitate different configurations of the vertical support structure tosupport different arrangements of vertical upright 118 and front panel120 arrangements. The upper cross bars 124 or the lower cross bar 128can be operatively attached to assembly single vertical supportstructure or can be operatively attached to multiple vertical supportstructures.

The vertical uprights 118 can be detachably coupled to the upper crossbar 124 or the lower cross bar 128. The vertical uprights 118 can bepositioned parallel to one another extending from the ledge 134 to thetop support structure 140. The front panels 120 can be detachablycoupled to the vertical uprights 118 and can be formed from a styrene,polymer, or the like.

FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of avertical support structure 132 and a cross bar to form a portion of thewall assembly 130. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper cross bars 124 and thelower cross bar 128 can be attached to the vertical support structure132. In some embodiments, the cross bars 124 and 128 can be operativelycoupled to the openings formed in the back panel 142. The cross bars124, 128 can be mounted in a horizontal arrangement parallel to the topsupport structure 140.

In some embodiments the cross bars 124, 128 can be adjustably spacedalong the wall assembly 130. For example, the upper cross bars 124 orthe lower cross bar 128 can be attached to the vertical supportstructure 132 with uniform spacing between the cross bars 124, 128 orcan be attached to the vertical support structure 132 with different orvariable spacing between the cross bars 124, 128. The cross bars 124,128 can be configured to extend from the first side of the supportstructure 132 to the second side of the support structure 132. In someembodiments the cross bar can extend across a segment of the back panel142.

FIG. 5A, depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe upper cross bar 124. Referring to FIG. 5A, the cross bar 124 caninclude one or more mating members 152 distributed along the frontsurface of the cross bar 124 to facilitate attachment of one or morevertical uprights 118 to the cross bar 124 to form the wall assembly130. For example, the mating members 152 can have an interlockingstructure and can be configured to support the vertical uprights tofacilitate different configurations of the merchandise display wallsystem 100 such as a variation in a front panel width, a variation inshelf assembly width, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 5A, the cross bar 124, can include brackets 144disposed on ends of a back surface of the cross bar 124. The cross bar124, can include brackets 144 disposed on a back surface of the crossbar 124. The bracket 144 can be operatively coupled to the cross bar 124by a first mating surface 151 as shown in FIG. 6, located on the crossbar 124 and a second mating surface 146 located on the brackets 144. Thebrackets 144 can detachably couple the cross bar 124 to the verticalsupport structure 132. For example, in some embodiments, the brackets144 can be configured to operatively couple the cross bar 124 to theside edges 143 of the vertical support structure 132, can be configuredto operatively couple the cross bar 124 to the back panel 142 inwardlyof the side edges 143, or can be configured to operatively couple thecross bar to either the side edges 143 or the back panel 142 inwardly ofthe side edges 143.

FIG. 5B, depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother upper cross bar 124″. Referring to FIG. 5B, the cross bar 124″can include one or more mating members 152″ distributed along the frontsurface of the cross bar 124″ to facilitate attachment of one or morevertical uprights 118 to the cross bar 124″ to form the wall assembly130. For example, the mating members 152′ can have an interlockingstructure and can be configured to support the vertical uprights tofacilitate different configurations of the merchandise display wallsystem 100 such as a variation in a front panel width, a variation inshelf assembly width, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 5B, the cross bar 124″ can include brackets 144″at least partially inserted in open ends of the cross bar 124″. Thebracket 144″ can be operatively coupled to the cross bar 124″ byinserting mating member 146″ into an open end of a hollow interior 153of the cross bar 124″. In accordance with various embodiments, thebracket 144″ can be retained within the hollow interior 153 by insertingmating member 146″ far enough into the hollow interior 153 to aligndepressible locking member 146 a with locking aperture 152 a, therebyreleasing depressible locking member 146 a from a depressed state,causing the depressible locking member 146 a to project through aperture152 a and into locking engagement with the cross bar 124″. The brackets144′ can detachably couple the cross bar 124″ to the vertical supportstructure 132. For example, in some embodiments, the brackets 144″ canbe configured to operatively couple the cross bar 124″ to the side edges143 of the vertical support structure 132, can be configured tooperatively couple the cross bar 124″ to the back panel 142 inwardly ofthe side edges 143, or can be configured to operatively couple the crossbar to either the side edges 143 or the back panel 142 inwardly of theside edges 143.

Still further referring to FIG. 5B, the cross bar 124″ can includealignment channels 175″ formed in the cross bar 124″ for receiving pegs177, 177′ of spacer brackets 182, 184 (described with greater detailwith reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 below), where a channel width of thealignment channels 175″ can generally correspond to a diameter of thepegs 177, 177′ formed in the cross bar 124″ so that the pegs 177, 177′can be received by the cross bar 124″ through the channels 175″ tofacilitate mounting the cross bar 124″ the spacer brackets 182, 184.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the cross bar124 and bracket 144 in an assembled form. As shown in FIG. 6, thebracket 144 can have a hook 148 extending upward from the rear portionof the bracket 144, and a first mating member 150 extending downwardfrom the underside of the bracket 144 and a second mating member 146extending forward from the front surface of the bracket 144 to form ahook extending from the front surface of the cross bar. The hook 148extending from the rear portion of the bracket 144 can be used to couplethe bracket to the wall assembly 130. The mating member 150 can beconfigured to couple together multiple cross bars.

FIG. 7A, depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa lower cross bar 128 of the wall assembly 130. Referring to FIG. 7A,the cross bar 128 can include one or more mating members 156 distributedalong the front surface 157 of the cross bar 128 to facilitateattachment of one or more vertical uprights to the cross bar 128 to formthe merchandise display wall system 130. For example, the mating members156 can be configured to support the vertical uprights 118 to facilitatedifferent configurations of the merchandise display wall system 130 suchas a variation in front panel width or a variation in shelf assemblywidth.

Still referring to FIG. 7A, the cross bar 128, can include brackets 170disposed on a back surface of the cross bar 128. The bracket 170 can beoperatively coupled to the cross bar 128 by a first mating surface 154as shown in FIG. 8, located on the cross bar 128 and a second matingsurface 164 located on the brackets 170. The brackets 170 can detachablycouple the cross bar to the wall assembly 130 using hook 166. The lowercross bar 128 can include a lip 158 extending forward from the frontsurface of the cross bar 128. The lip 158 can extend longitudinallyacross the cross bar 128 or can extend across partial segments of thecross bar 128.

FIG. 7B, depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa lower cross bar 128″ of the wall assembly 130. Referring to FIG. 7B,the cross bar 128″ can include one or more mating members 156′distributed along the front surface 157″ of the cross bar 128″ tofacilitate attachment of one or more vertical uprights to the cross bar128″ to form the merchandise display wall system 130. For example, themating members 156″ can be configured to support the vertical uprights118 to facilitate different configurations of the merchandise displaywall system 130 such as a variation in front panel width or a variationin shelf assembly width.

Still referring to FIG. 7B, the cross bar 128″, can include brackets170″ at least partially inserted in open ends of the cross bar 128″. Thebracket 170″ can be operatively coupled to the cross bar 128″ byinserting mating member 164″ into an open end of a hollow interior 155of the cross bar 128″. In accordance with various embodiments, thebracket 170″ can be retained within the hollow interior 155 by insertingmating member 164″ far enough into the hollow interior 155 to aligndepressible locking member 164 a with locking aperture 156 a, therebyreleasing depressible locking member 164 a from a depressed state,causing the depressible locking member 164 a to project through aperture156 a and into locking engagement with the cross bar 124″. The brackets170″ can detachably couple the cross bar to the wall assembly 130 usinghook 166″.

The lower cross bar 128″ can include a lip 158″ extending forward fromthe front surface of the cross bar 128″. The lip 158″ can extendlongitudinally across the cross bar 128″ or can extend across partialsegments of the cross bar 128″. In accordance with various embodiments,a non-conductive lip liner 159 can be disposed over an upper surface ofthe lip 158″ for isolating the lip 158″ from one or more electricallyconductive power track inserts of the vertical uprights when themerchandise display wall system 130, 130′ is assembled.

Still further referring to FIG. 7B, the cross bar 128″ can includealignment channels 175″ formed in the cross bar 128″ for receiving pegs177, 177′ of spacer brackets 182, 184 (described with greater detailwith reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 below), where a channel width of thealignment channels 175″ can generally correspond to a diameter of thepegs 177, 177′ formed in the cross bar 128′ so that the pegs 177, 177′can be received by the cross bar 128″ through the channels 175″ tofacilitate mounting the cross bar 124″ the spacer brackets 182, 184.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the assembledlower cross bar bracket 170. As shown in FIG. 7A, the lower cross barbracket 170 can have a hook 166 extending from the rear portion of thelower cross bar bracket 170, and a support footing 168 extendingrearwardly along the bottom side of the bracket from the front rearsurface of the lower cross bar bracket 170. The hook 166 extending fromthe rear upper portion of the bracket can be used to couple the bracket170 to the wall assembly 130. The support footing 168 can be configuredto stabilize the cross bar assemblies 124 along the base of the wallassembly 130. The lower lip 158 can extend forward from the first matingsurface 154. The first mating surface 154 of the cross bar 128 can becoupled to the second mating surface 164 of the lower cross bar bracket170.

FIG. 9 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofanother upper cross bar 124′″. Referring to FIG. 9, the cross bar 124′″can include one or more mating members 152′″ distributed along the frontsurface of the cross bar 124″ to facilitate attachment of one or morevertical uprights to the cross bar 124″ to form the wall assembly 130′.For example, the mating members 152′″ can have an interlocking structureand can be configured to support the vertical uprights to facilitatedifferent configurations of the merchandise display wall system 100 suchas a variation in a front panel width, a variation in shelf assemblywidth, or the like.

Mating members 152′″ can, in accordance with the present embodiments,include one or more mating tabs having holes thereon for attachment to,for example, mating holes 366 of vertical uprights 118′ via fastener(e.g., screws, bolts, and/or rivets).

Still referring to FIG. 9, the cross bar 124′″ can include alignmentchannels 175′″ formed in the cross bar 124′″ for receiving pegs 177,177′ of spacer brackets 182, 184 (described with greater detail withreference to FIGS. 12 and 13 below), where a channel width of thealignment channels 175′″ can generally correspond to a diameter of thepegs 177, 177′ formed in the cross bar 124′″ so that the pegs 177, 177′can be received by the cross bar 124′″ through the channels 175′″ tofacilitate mounting the cross bar 124′″ the spacer brackets 182, 184.

FIG. 10 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of alower cross bar 128′″ of the wall assembly 130′. Referring to FIG. 7B,the cross bar 128″ can include one or more mating members 156′″distributed along the front surface of the cross bar 128′″ to facilitateattachment of one or more vertical uprights to the cross bar 128′″ toform the merchandise display wall system 130′. For example, the matingmembers 156′″ can be configured to support the vertical uprights tofacilitate different configurations of the merchandise display wallsystem 130′ such as a variation in front panel width or a variation inshelf assembly width. The lower cross bar 128′″ can include a lipextending forward from the front surface of the cross bar 128″. The lipcan extend longitudinally across the cross bar 128′″ or can extendacross partial segments of the cross bar 128′″.

Mating members 156′″ can, in accordance with the present embodiments,include one or more mating tabs having holes thereon for attachment to,for example, mating holes 366 of vertical uprights 118′ via fastener(e.g., screws, bolts, and/or rivets).

Still referring to FIG. 10, the cross bar 128′″ can include alignmentchannels 175′″ formed in the cross bar 128′″ for receiving pegs 177,177′ of spacer brackets 182, 184 (described with greater detail withreference to FIGS. 12 and 13 below), where a channel width of thealignment channels 175′″ can generally correspond to a diameter of thepegs 177, 177′ formed in the cross bar 128′″ so that the pegs 177, 177′can be received by the cross bar 128″ through the channels 175′″ tofacilitate mounting the cross bar 128′″ the spacer brackets 182, 184.

FIG. 11 depicts cross bars 124′ and 128′ operatively coupling thevertical support structure 132 to a vertical support structure 132′. Asshown in FIG. 11, the vertical support structures 132 and 132′ can havedifferent mounting configurations for receiving the cross bars 124′ and128′. In exemplary embodiments, the vertical support structures 132 and132′ can be operatively coupled via the cross bars 124′ and 128′ to forma portion of a composite wall assembly 130′ of a merchandise displaywall system.

The vertical support structure 132′ can generally have a similarstructure as the vertical support structure 132. For example, thevertical support structure 132′ can include the horizontally extendingledge 134 and a vertically oriented back panel 142′ that generallyextends perpendicularly from the ledge 134. A perimeter of the backpanel 142′ can be defined by the ledge 134, a horizontally extending topsupport structure 140′ extending along a width W′ of the back panel142′, and side edges 143′ extending vertically between the ledge 134 andthe top support structure 140′. The back panel 142′ can be recessed withrespect to the side edges 143′ such that the side edges 143 protrudebeyond a surface 145 of the back panel 142 by a distance D. As shown inFIG. 11, the surface 145 of the back panel 142′ can have openings in theform of circular holes 147′ while the surface 145 of the back panel 142can be flush with the side edges 143 and can include horizontallyextending elongate slots 147.

The cross bars 124′ and 128′ can have a similar structure as the crossbars 124 and 128 except that the cross bars 124′ and 128′ can includesets of alignment channels 183′ distributed along a length of the crossbars 124′ and 128′ to facilitate attachment of the cross bars 124′ and128′ to the back panels 142 and 142′ as described in more detail hereinwith respect to FIGS. 12 and 13. Embodiments of the vertical uprights(e.g., as shown for example, in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 12-19) can beoperatively coupled to the cross bars 124′ and 128′ via the matingmembers 152 and 156, respectively.

When the vertical support structures 132 and 132′ are disposed adjacentto one another in a side-by-side relationship, the sides 143 and 143′can be positioned to be generally flush with each other in a planedefined by the surface 145 of the back panel 142. As such, the surface145′ of the back panel 142′ can be recessed or set back and parallelwith respect to the back panel 142 (or the plane defined by the backpanel 142). The surfaces 145 and 145′ of the back panels 142 and 142′,respectively, can be configured to receive different brackets or spacersto facilitate attachment of the cross bars 124′ and 128′ to the surfaces145 and 145′, which have different mounting configurations. The bracketsor spacers can be configured to facilitate attachment of the cross bars124′ and 128′ to the surfaces 145 and 145′ so that the cross bars 124′and 128′ are configured to be substantially parallel to the back panels142 and 142′ when the cross bars 124′ and 128 are operatively coupled tothe back panels 142 and 142′ via the brackets or spacers. Exemplaryembodiments of attachment configurations of the cross bars 124′ and 128′are depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of across bar attachment arrangement to the vertical support structure 132′of the wall assembly 130′. As shown in FIG. 12, the cross bar 124′ canbe operatively mounted to the surface 145′ of the back panel 142′ via aspacer bracket 182. In exemplary embodiments, the bracket 182 can havean elongate body 185 formed by sides 187 a, 187 b, and 187 c. The sides187 a and 187 b can be configured to extend generally parallel to eachother. The side 187 c can extend perpendicularly between the sides 187 aand 187 b and can extend between a distal end 189 of the sides 187′ and187 b. The sides 187 a and 187 b can have free ends that terminate on aproximal end of the bracket 182. In some embodiments, the sides 187 a,187 b, and 187 c can form a rectangular structure having an open sideopposite the side 187 c. A distance D_(B) between the proximal end 191and the distal end 189 can correspond to the distance D that the backpanel 142′ is recessed with respect to the side edges 143′ or the backpanel 142′ such that a face of the side 187 c resides substantially inthe plane defined by the back panel 142 and the face of the side 187 cis generally flush with the surface 145 of the back panel 142 when thebracket 182 is mounted to the back panel 142′.

The free ends of the sides 187 a and 187 b can include mating members inthe form of cylindrical posts or pegs 179 that extend from the from thefree ends at the proximal end 191 of the bracket 182 away from thedistal end 189 and parallel to the sides 187 a and 187 b. The pegs 179can have a diameter that generally corresponds to a diameter of thecircular holes 147′ formed in the back panel 142′ so that the pegs 179can be received through the holes to facilitate mounting the bracket 182to the back panel 142′. In some embodiments, the pegs 179 can have anexterior thread configured to receive a nut to secure the pegs 179 tothe back panel 142′.

The face of the side 187 c can include cylindrical posts or pegs 177extending outwardly therefrom and away from the proximal end. The pegs177 can extend generally parallel to the sides 187 a and 187 b. The pegs177 can have a diameter that generally corresponds to a channel width ofalignment channels 175 formed in the cross bars 124′ and 128′ so thatthe pegs 177 can be received by the cross bars 124′ and 128′ through thechannels 175 to facilitate mounting the cross bars 124′ and 128′ to thebracket 182. The channel width of the alignment channels 175 can bemeasured perpendicularly to the lengths of the cross bars 124′ and 128′.In some embodiments, the pegs 177 can have an exterior thread configuredto receive a nut to secure the cross bars 124′ and 128′ to the backpanel 142′.

The cross bar 124′ can be detachably coupled to the back panel 142′having the peg board configuration formed by the openings 147 in theback panel 142′. The bracket 182 can detachably couple to the back panel142′. The bracket 182 and the cross bar 124′ can be reconfiguredtogether or independently of one another to accommodate productreconfigurations or merchandise resets. The bracket 182 can be used toconfigure a cross bar to be adjustably mounted across a vertical supportstructures having varying configurations as described herein.

FIG. 13 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of across bar attachment arrangement the vertical support structure 132 ofthe wall assembly 130′. As shown in FIG. 13, the cross bar 124′ can beoperatively mounted to the surface 145 of the back panel 142 via aspacer bracket 184. In exemplary embodiments, the bracket 184 can havean elongate body 185′ formed by sides 193 a, 193 b, and 193 c. The sides193 a and 193 b can be configured to be a rolled edge. The side 193 ccan extend perpendicularly between the sides 193 a and 193 b.

The rolled edge of the sides 193 a and 193 b can include mating membersin the form of lips or fastening edges 173 that extend from the freeends of the side 193 a and 193 b. The fastening edges 173 can have ageometry that generally corresponds to a geometry of the elongated slots147 formed in the back panel 142 so that the fastening edges 173 can bereceived through the slots to facilitate mounting the bracket 184 to theback panel 142.

The face of the side 193 c can include cylindrical posts or pegsextending outwardly therefrom and away from the proximal end. The pegs177′ can extend generally parallel to the sides 193 a and 193 b. Thepegs 177′ can have a diameter that generally corresponds to a channelwidth of the alignment channels 175′ formed in the cross bars 124′ and128′ so that the pegs 177′ can be received by the cross bars 124′ and128′ through the channels 175′ to facilitate mounting the cross bars124′ and 128′ to the bracket 184. The channel width of the alignmentchannels can be measured perpendicularly to the lengths of the crossbars 124′ and 128′. In some embodiments, the pegs 177′ can have anexterior thread configured to receive a nut to secure the cross bars124′ and 128′ to the back panel 142.

The cross bar 124′ can be detachably coupled to the back panel 142having an elongated slot configuration formed by the openings 147 in theback panel 142. The bracket 184 can detachably couple to the back panel142. The bracket 184 and the cross bar 124′ can be reconfigured togetheror independently of one another to accommodate product reconfigurationsor merchandise resets. The bracket 184 can be used to configure a crossbar to be adjustably mounted across a vertical support structures havingvarying configurations as described herein.

FIG. 14 depicts the vertical uprights 118 being attached to cross bars124, 128 that have been mounted to the vertical support structure 132′.As shown in FIG. 14, the upper cross bar 124 and the lower cross bar 128can be attached to the sides 143′ of the back panel 142′ via brackets(e.g., brackets 144 and 170). The mating members 146 and 156 positionedon the front surface of the upper cross bar 124 and the lower cross bar128 respectively, can receive the vertical uprights 118 to selectivelyretain the vertical uprights 118 to the cross bars 124 and 128.

In some embodiments, the upper cross bars 124 and the lower cross bar128 can be configured to facilitate different arrangements ofreconfigurable wall assemblies to support different arrangements of thevertical uprights 118 and front panels 120 (FIG. 21). The verticaluprights 118 can be detachably coupled to the upper cross bar 124 andthe lower cross bar 128. The vertical uprights 118 can be positionedparallel to one another extending from the ledge 134 of the verticalsupport structure 132′ to the top support structure 140′ of the verticalsupport structure 132. The vertical uprights 118 can have areconfigurable arrangement allowing for one or more of the verticaluprights 118 to be reset, removed or rearranged, either as a group orindependent of one another. Reconfiguration can be used to adapt to newproduct displays or to adapt to retail facility resets.

In some embodiments the vertical uprights 118 can be adjustably spacedalong the cross bar 124, 128. For example, the vertical uprights 118 canbe attached to the cross bar 124, 128 with uniform spacing between thevertical uprights or can be attached to the cross bars 124, 128 withdifferent or variable spacing between the vertical uprights 118.

FIG. 15 depicts an exploded front perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of one of the vertical uprights 118. FIG. 16 is an assembledcross-sectional view of the vertical upright 118 shown in FIG. 15. Thevertical upright 118 can include a frame portion 190 and a power trackinsert portions 206 and 208. As shown in FIG. 15, the frame portion 190can have an elongated body having a generally planar rear surfaceportion 192 configured to mount flush with cross bars (e.g., cross bars124, 124′, 124″, 124′″, 128, 128′, 128″, 128′″) and a multi-channeledfront portion 211. The power track insert portions 206 and 208 can havegenerally planar elongate bodies 207 and 209, respectively. The bodies207 and 209 can each have openings 210 formed therein, which can bedistributed along a length of the bodies 207 and 209. In exemplaryembodiments, the frame portion 190 can be formed from an electricallyinsulating or electrically non-conductive material, such as a polymer(e.g., plastic), and the power track insert portions 206 and 208 caneach be formed from an electrical conductive material, such as metal.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the multi-channeled front portion 211 ofthe frame portion 190 can have a first pair of channels including achannel 194 and a channel 200, a second pair of channels including achannel 196 and a channel 202, a third pair of channels including achannel 197 and a channel 203, and a fourth pair of channels including achannel 198 and a channel 204. The first through fourth pairs ofchannels can be formed by arms 181, 195, 199, which generally extendperpendicularly outward from the planar rear surface 192 at an interfacebetween a first end 205 of the arms 181, 195, 199 and the planar rearsurface 192. A second end 213 of the arms 181, 195, 199 can includecontours that form the first through fourth pairs of channels.

The channels 194 and 200 that form the first pair of channels can beformed between the planar rear surface 192 and the arms 181 and 199. Forexample, the arms 181 and 195 and the rear planar surface 192 can formthe channel 194 and the arms 195 and 199 and the rear planar surface 192can form the channel 200. As depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, the channels194 and 200 can be U-shaped channels that open outwardly away from theplanar rear surface 192 towards the second end 213 and can receive aportion of shelf assemblies as described in more detail herein.

The channels 196 and 202 that form the second pair of channels can beformed between the arms 181 and 195 within the channel 194. The channels196 and 202 can be spaced away from the rear planar surface 192 and canbe perpendicular to the channel 194. As depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, thechannel 196 can be formed by the arm 181 and the channel 202 can beformed by the arm 195. The channels 196 and 202 can be opposingly spacedU-shaped channels that open towards each other. In exemplaryembodiments, as depicted in FIG. 16, the channels 196 and 202 can beconfigured to receive the power track insert portion 206 such that thechannels 196 and 202 retain the power track insert portion 206 in themulti-channel front portion 211 in parallel relation to the rear planarsurface 192.

The channels 197 and 203 that form the third pair of channels can beformed between the arms 195 and 199 within the channel 200. The channels197 and 203 can be spaced away from the rear planar surface 192 and canbe perpendicular to the channel 200. As depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, thechannel 197 can be formed by the arm 199 and the channel 203 can beformed by the arm 195. The channels 197 and 203 can be opposingly spacedU-shaped channels that open towards each other. In exemplaryembodiments, as depicted in FIG. 16, the channels 197 and 203 can beconfigured to receive the power track insert portion 208 such that thechannels 197 and 203 retain the power track insert portion 208 in themulti-channel front portion 211 in parallel relation to the rear planarsurface 192 and in a plane that includes the power track insert 206.

The channels 198 and 204 that form the fourth pair of channels can beformed by the arms 181 and 199, respectively, and can be distancedfurther away from the rear planar surface than the second and thirdpairs of channels such that the power track insert portions 206 and 208can be recessed with respect to the channels 198 and 204 when the powertrack insert portions 206 and 208 are inserted into the second and thirdpairs of channels, respectively. The channels 198 and 204 can beopposingly spaced J-shaped channels that open away from each other andin parallel with the channels 196 and 202 of the second pair ofchannels, with the channels 197 and 203 of the second pair of channels,and with the rear planar surface 192. The channel 198 can be configuredto receive and selectively retain a side edge of a first front panel andthe channel 204 can be configured to receive and selectively retain aside edge of a second front panel to hold the first and second frontpanels in a common plane with respect to the vertical upright 118.

The J-shape of the channel 198 can be formed by wall portion 226, 227,and 228. The wall portion 226 can be formed by the arm 181 and can havea terminal end 221 and connecting end 217. The wall portion 226 can bespaced away from and extend parallel to the rear planar surface 192. Thewall portion 227 is formed by the arm 181 and extends perpendicularly toand away from the rear planar surface 192 from the connecting end 217 ofthe wall portion 226 to a connecting end 219 of the wall portion 228,which is formed by the arm 181 and extends from the connecting end 219to a terminal end 223 in parallel to the rear planar surface 192 and thewall portion 226, and in a common direction as the wall portion 226. Thewall portion 228 has a length that is less than the length of the wallportion 226.

The J-shape of the channel 204 can be formed by wall portion 214, 215,and 216. The wall portion 214 can be formed by the arm 199 and can havea terminal end 229 and connecting end 231. The wall portion 214 can bespaced away from and extend parallel to the rear planar surface 192. Thewall portion 215 is formed by the arm 199 and extends perpendicularly toand away from the rear planar surface 192 from the connecting end 231 ofthe wall portion 214 to a connecting end 233 of the wall portion 216,which is formed by the arm 199 and extends from the connecting end 239to a terminal end 237 in parallel to the rear planar surface 192 and thewall portion 214, and in a common direction as the wall portion 214. Thewall portion 216 has a length that is less than the length of the wallportion 214.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the power track insert portions 206and 208 have a retaining member 363, 364 formed proximate to at leastone end of the bodies 207 and 209. When the power track insert portions206 and 208 are inserted into the second and third pairs of channels,respectively, each retaining member 363, 364 can be aligned with a hole365 formed in the arm 195 of the frame portion 190. A fastening member222 can be insert through each hole 365 to engage the retaining members363, 364 of the power track insert portions 206 and 208 to lock thepower track insert portions 206 and 208 in place in the frame portion190. The power track insert portion 206 and the power track insertportion 208 can be disposed within the multi-channel front portion 211of the frame to obstruct the cavities formed by the channel 194 and 200,which can be accessible via the openings 210 formed in the power trackinsert portions 206 and 208. For example, electrically conductive armsof shelf assemblies can engage and extend through the openings 210 intothe cavities of the channels 194 and 200 to selectively retain the shelfassemblies to the vertical upright 118′ and place the electricalconductive arms in electrical contact with the power track inserts 206or 208 so that electricity can flow to or from the shelf assembliesthrough the power track insert portions 206 or 208.

FIG. 18 depicts an exploded front perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of one of the vertical uprights 118′. FIG. 17 is an assembledcross-sectional view of the vertical upright 118′ shown in FIG. 18. Thevertical upright 118′ can include a frame portion 190′ and a power trackinsert portions 206′ and 208′. As shown in FIG. 18, the frame portion190′ can have an elongated body having a generally planar rear surfaceportion 192′ configured to mount flush with cross bars (e.g., cross bars124, 124′, 124″, 124′″, 128, 128′, 128″, 128′″) and a multi-channeledfront portion 211′. The power track insert portions 206′ and 208′ canhave generally planar elongate bodies 207′ and 209′, respectively. Thebodies 207′ and 209′ can each have openings 210′ formed therein, whichcan be distributed along a length of the bodies 207′ and 209′. Inexemplary embodiments, the frame portion 190′ can be formed from anelectrically insulating or electrically non-conductive material, such asa polymer (e.g., plastic), and the power track insert portions 206′ and208′ can each be formed from an electrical conductive material, such asmetal.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the multi-channeled front portion 211′ ofthe frame portion 190′ can have a first pair of channels including achannel 194′ and a channel 200′ and a second pair of channels includinga channel 198′ and a channel 204′. The first and second pairs ofchannels can be formed by arms 181′, 195′, 199′, which generally extendperpendicularly outward from the planar rear surface 192′ at aninterface between a first end 205′ of the arms 181′, 195′, 199′ and theplanar rear surface 192′. A second end 213′ of the arms 181′, 195′, 199′can include contours that form the first and second pairs of channels.

The channels 194′ and 200′ that form the first pair of channels can beformed between the planar rear surface 192′ and the arms 181′ and 199′.For example, the arms 181′ and 195′ and the rear planar surface 192′ canform the channel 194′ and the arms 195′ and 199′ and the rear planarsurface 192′ can form the channel 200′. As depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18,the channels 194′ and 200′ can be U-shaped channels that open outwardlyaway from the planar rear surface 192′ towards the second end 213′ andcan receive a portion of shelf assemblies as described in more detailherein. In exemplary embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 17, the channels194′ and 200′ can be configured to receive the power track insertportion 206 such that the channels 194′ and 200′ retain the power trackinsert portion 206′ in the multi-channel front portion 211′.

The channels 198′ and 204′ that form the second pair of channels can beformed by the arms 181′ and 199′, respectively, and can be spaced apartfrom the rear planar surface 192′ such that the power track insertportions 206′ and 208′ can be recessed with respect to the channels 198′and 204′ when the power track insert portions 206′ and 208′ are insertedinto channels 194′ and 200′ respectively. The channels 198′ and 204′ canbe opposingly spaced J-shaped channels that open away from each otherand in parallel with the rear planar surface 192. The channel 198′ canbe configured to receive and selectively retain a side edge of a firstfront panel and the channel 204′ can be configured to receive andselectively retain a side edge of a second front panel to hold the firstand second front panels in a common plane with respect to the verticalupright 118′.

The J-shape of the channel 198′ can be formed by wall portion 226′,227′, and 228′. The wall portion 226′ can be formed by the arm 181′ andcan have a terminal end 221′ and connecting end 217′. The wall portion226′ can be spaced away from and extend parallel to the rear planarsurface 192′. The wall portion 227′ is formed by the arm 181′ andextends perpendicularly to and away from the rear planar surface 192′from the connecting end 217′ of the wall portion 226′ to a connectingend 219′ of the wall portion 228′, which is formed by the arm 181′ andextends from the connecting end 219′ to a terminal end 223′ in parallelto the rear planar surface 192′ and the wall portion 226′, and in acommon direction as the wall portion 226′. The wall portion 228′ has alength that is less than the length of the wall portion 226′.

The J-shape of the channel 204′ can be formed by wall portion 214′,215′, and 216′. The wall portion 214′ can be formed by the arm 199′ andcan have a terminal end 229′ and connecting end 231′. The wall portion214′ can be spaced away from and extend parallel to the rear planarsurface 192′. The wall portion 215′ is formed by the arm 199′ andextends perpendicularly to and away from the rear planar surface 192′from the connecting end 231′ of the wall portion 214′ to a connectingend 233′ of the wall portion 216′, which is formed by the arm 199′ andextends from the connecting end 239′ to a terminal end 237′ in parallelto the rear planar surface 192′ and the wall portion 214′, and in acommon direction as the wall portion 214′. The wall portion 216′ has alength that is less than the length of the wall portion 214′.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the power track insert portions 206′and 208′ have a retaining member 363′ (not shown), 364′ formed proximateto at least one end of the bodies 207′ and 209′. When the power trackinsert portions 206′ and 208′ are inserted into channels 194′ and 200′,respectively, each retaining member 363′, 364′ can be aligned with ahole 365′ formed in the arms 181′, 199′ of the frame portion 190′. Afastening member 222′ can be inserted through each hole 365′ to engagethe retaining members 363′, 364′ of the power track insert portions 206′and 208′ to lock the power track insert portions 206′ and 208′ in placein the frame portion 190′. The power track insert portion 206′ and thepower track insert portion 208′ can be U-shaped and disposed within themulti-channel front portion 211′ of the frame to obstruct the openingsof U-shaped channels 194′ and 200′, which can be accessible via theopenings 210′ formed in the power track insert portions 206′ and 208′.For example, electrically conductive arms of shelf assemblies can engageand extend through the openings 210′ into the cavities of the channels194′ and 200′ to selectively retain the shelf assemblies to the verticalupright 118′ and place the electrically conductive arms in electricalcontact with the power track inserts 206′ or 208′ so that electricitycan flow to or from the shelf assemblies through the power track insertportions 206′ or 208′.

FIG. 19A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofone of the vertical uprights 118 that forms a left upright end assemblyof the wall assembly. FIG. 20A is an assembled top view of the verticalupright 118 of FIG. 19A. As shown in FIG. 19A, a frame portion 232 ofthe vertical upright 118 can have an elongated body having a generallyplanar rear surface portion 234 configured to mount flush with crossbars (e.g., cross bars 124, 124′, 124″, 124′″, 128, 128′, 128″, 128′″)and a multi-channeled front portion 241. The vertical upright 118 caninclude the frame portion 232 and a slotted power track insert portion260 as shown in FIG. 20A. The slotted power track insert portion 260 hasa similar structure as the power track insert portion 206 depicted inFIGS. 15 and 16. In exemplary embodiments, the frame portion 232 can beformed from an electrically insulating or electrically non-conductivematerial, such as a polymer (e.g., plastic), and the power track insertportion 260 can each be formed from an electrical conductive material,such as metal.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 20A, the multi-channeled front portion 241 ofthe frame portion 232 can have a first channel 236, a second channel253, a third 255, and a fourth channel 266. The first channel 236 can beformed by arms 245 and 247, which generally extend perpendicularlyoutward from the planar rear surface 234 at an interface between a firstend 249 of the arms 245 and 247, and the planar rear surface 234. Asecond end 251 of the arms 245 and 247 can include contours that formthe second through fourth channels 253, 255, and 266.

The first channel 236 can be formed between the planar rear surface 234and the arms 245 and 247. For example, the arms 245 and 247 and the rearplanar surface 234 can form the channel 236. As depicted in FIGS. 19Aand 20A, the channel 236 can be U-shaped that opens outwardly away fromthe planar rear surface 234 and towards the second end 251. The firstchannel 236 can be configured to receive a portion of the shelfassemblies as described in more detail herein.

The channels 253 and 255 form a pair of channels between the arms 245and 247 within the channel 236. The channels 253 and 255 can be spacedaway from the rear planar surface 234 and can be perpendicular to thechannel 236. As depicted in FIGS. 19A and 20A, the channel 253 can beformed by the arm 247 and the channel 255 can be formed by the arm 245.The channels 253 and 255 can be opposingly spaced U-shaped channels thatopen towards each other. In exemplary embodiments, as depicted in FIG.20A, the channels 253 and 255 can be configured to receive the powertrack insert portion 260 such that the channels 253 and 255 retain thepower track insert portion 260 in the multi-channel front portion 241 inparallel relation to the rear planar surface 234 and in a plane thatincludes the power track insert 260.

The fourth channel 266 extends from the arm 245, and can be distancedfurther away from the rear planar surface than the second and thirdpairs of channels such that the power track insert portions 260 can berecessed with respect to the channel 266 when the power track insertportion 260 is inserted into the second and third pairs of channels,respectively. The channel 266 can be a J-shaped channel in parallel withchannels 253 and 255, and with the rear planar surface 234. The channel266 can be configured to receive and selectively retain a side edge of afront panel to hold the front panel in a common plane with respect tothe vertical upright 118′.

The J-shape of the channel 266 can be formed by wall portion 264, 265,and 267. The wall portion 267 can be formed by the arm 245 and can havea terminal end 269 and connecting end 270. The wall portion 267 can bespaced away from and extend parallel to the rear planar surface 234. Thewall portion 265 is formed by the arm 245 and extends perpendicularly toand away from the rear planar surface 234 from the connecting end 270 ofthe wall portion 264 to a connecting end 273 of a wall portion 267,which is formed by the arm 264 and extends from the connecting end 273to a terminal end 274 in parallel to the rear planar surface 234 and thewall portion 265, and in a common direction as the wall portion 267. Thewall portion 264 has a length that is less than the length of the wallportion 267.

FIG. 19B depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofone of the vertical uprights 118′ that forms a left upright end assemblyof the wall assembly. FIG. 20B is an assembled top view of the verticalupright 118′ of FIG. 19B. As shown in FIG. 19B, a frame portion 232′ ofthe vertical upright 118′ can have an elongated body having a generallyplanar rear surface portion 234′ configured to mount flush with crossbars (e.g., cross bars 124, 124′, 124″, 124′″, 128, 128′, 128″, 128′″)and a multi-channeled front portion 241′. The vertical upright 118′ caninclude the frame portion 232′ and a slotted power track insert portion260′ as shown in FIG. 20B. The slotted power track insert portion 260′has a similar structure as the power track insert portion 206′ depictedin FIGS. 17 and 18. In exemplary embodiments, the frame portion 232′ canbe formed from an electrically insulating or electrically non-conductivematerial, such as a polymer (e.g., plastic), and the power track insertportion 260′ can each be formed from an electrical conductive material,such as metal.

Referring to FIGS. 19B and 20B, the multi-channeled front portion 241′of the frame portion 232′ can have a first channel 236′ and a secondchannel 266. The first channel 236′ can be formed by arms 245′ and 247′,which generally extend perpendicularly outward from the planar rearsurface 234′ at an interface between a first end 249′ of the arms 245′and 247′, and the planar rear surface 234′. A second end 251′ of arms245′ can include contours that form the second channel 266′.

The first channel 236′ can be formed between the planar rear surface234′ and the arms 245′ and 247′. For example, the arms 245′ and 247′ andthe rear planar surface 234′ can form the channel 236′. As depicted inFIGS. 19B and 20B, the channel 236′ can be U-shaped that opens outwardlyaway from the planar rear surface 234′ and towards the second end 251′.The first channel 236′ can be configured to receive a portion of theshelf assemblies as described in more detail herein. In exemplaryembodiments, as depicted in FIG. 20B, the channel 236′ can be configuredto receive the power track insert portion 260′ such that the channel236′ retains the power track insert portion 260′ in the multi-channelfront portion 241′.

The second channel 266′ extends from the arm 245′, and can be spacedapart from the rear planar surface 234′ such that the power track insertportions 260′ can be recessed with respect to the channel 266′ when thepower track insert portion 260′ is inserted into the first channel 236′.The channel 266′ can be a J-shaped channel in parallel with the rearplanar surface 234′. The channel 266′ can be configured to receive andselectively retain a side edge of a front panel to hold the front panelin a common plane with respect to the vertical upright 118′.

The J-shape of the channel 266′ can be formed by wall portion 264′,265′, and 267′. The wall portion 267′ can be formed by the arm 245′ andcan have a terminal end 269′ and connecting end 270′. The wall portion267′ can be spaced away from and extend parallel to the rear planarsurface 234′. The wall portion 265′ is formed by the arm 245′ andextends perpendicularly to and away from the rear planar surface 234′from the connecting end 270′ of the wall portion 264′ to a connectingend 273′ of a wall portion 267′, which is formed by the arm 264′ andextends from the connecting end 273′ to a terminal end 274′ in parallelto the rear planar surface 234′ and the wall portion 265′, and in acommon direction as the wall portion 267′. The wall portion 264′ has alength that is less than the length of the wall portion 267′.

FIG. 21A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofone of the vertical uprights 118 that forms a right track upright of thewall assembly. FIG. 22A is an assembled top view of the vertical upright118 of FIG. 21A. As shown in FIG. 21A, a frame portion 242 of thevertical upright 118 can have an elongated body having a generallyplanar rear surface portion 244 configured to mount flush with crossbars (e.g., cross bars 124, 124′, 124″, 124′″, 128, 128′, 128″, 128′″)and a multi-channeled front portion 271. The vertical upright 118 shownin FIGS. 21A and 22A can include a frame portion 242 and a slotted powertrack insert portion 252. As shown in FIG. 22A the slotted power trackinsert portion 252 has a similar structure as the power track insertportion 208 depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16. In exemplary embodiments, theframe portion 242 can be formed from an electrically insulating orelectrically non-conductive material, such as a polymer (e.g., plastic),and the power track insert portion 252 can each be formed from anelectrical conductive material, such as metal.

Referring to FIGS. 21A and 22A, the multi-channeled front portion 271 ofthe frame portion 242 can have a first channel 248, a second channel246, a third channel 254, and a fourth channel 278. The first channelcan be formed by arms 268 and 286, which generally extendperpendicularly outward from the planar rear surface 244 at an interfacebetween a first end 258 of the arms 268 and 286, and the planar rearsurface 244. A second end 250 of the arms 268 and 286 can includecontours that form the second through fourth pairs of channels 246, 254,278.

The second channel 246 can be formed between the planar rear surface 244and the arms 268 and 286. For example, the arms 268 and 286 and the rearplanar surface 244 can form the channel 246. As depicted in FIGS. 21Aand 22A, the channel 246 can be U-shaped that opens outwardly away fromthe planar rear surface 244 and towards the second end 250. The secondchannel 246 can be configured to receive a portion of the shelfassemblies as described in more detail herein.

The channels 257 and 259 forms a pair of channels between the arms 268and 286 within the channel 246. The channels 257 and 259 can be spacedaway from the rear planar surface 244 and can be perpendicular to thechannel 246. As depicted in FIGS. 21A and 22A, the channel 257 can beformed by the arm 286 and the channel 259 can be formed by the arm 268.The channels 257 and 259 can be opposingly spaced U-shaped channels thatopen towards each other. In exemplary embodiments, as depicted in FIG.22A, the channels 257 and 259 can be configured to receive the powertrack insert portion 252 such that the channels 257 and 259 retain thepower track insert portion 252 in the multi-channel front portion 271 inparallel relation to the rear planar surface 244 and in a plane thatincludes the power track insert 252.

The fourth channel 278 can be formed by the arm 268, and can bedistanced further away from the rear planar surface than the second andthird pairs of channels such that the power track insert portions 252can be recessed with respect to the channel 278 when the power trackinsert portion 252 is inserted into the second and third pairs ofchannels, respectively. The channel 278 can be a J-shaped channel inparallel with channel 254 of the second channel, and with the rearplanar surface 244. The channel 278 can be configured to receive andselectively retain a side edge of a front panel to hold the front panelin a common plane with respect to the vertical upright 118.

The J-shape of the channel 278 can be formed by wall portion 276, 262,and 280. The wall portion 276 can be formed by the arm 268 and can havea terminal end 277 and connecting end 279. The wall portion 276 can bespaced away from and extend parallel to the rear planar surface 244. Thewall portion 262 is formed by the arm 268 and extends perpendicularly toand away from the rear planar surface 244 from the connecting end 281 ofthe wall portion 262 to a connecting end 283 of a wall portion 280,which is formed by the arm 280 and extends from the connecting end 287to a terminal end 285 in parallel to the rear planar surface 244 and thewall portion 276, and in a common direction as the wall portion 276. Thewall portion 280 has a length that is less than the length of the wallportion 267.

FIG. 21B depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofone of the vertical uprights 118′ that forms a right track upright ofthe wall assembly. FIG. 22B is an assembled top view of the verticalupright 118′ of FIG. 21B. As shown in FIG. 21B, a frame portion 242′ ofthe vertical upright 118′ can have an elongated body having a generallyplanar rear surface portion 244′ configured to mount flush with crossbars (e.g., cross bars 124, 124′, 124″, 124′″, 128, 128′, 128″, 128′″)and a multi-channeled front portion 271′. The vertical upright 118′shown in FIGS. 21B and 22B can include a frame portion 242′ and aslotted power track insert portion 252′. As shown in FIG. 22B theslotted power track insert portion 252′ has a similar structure as thepower track insert portion 208′ depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18. Inexemplary embodiments, the frame portion 242′ can be formed from anelectrically insulating or electrically non-conductive material, such asa polymer (e.g., plastic), and the power track insert portion 252′ canbe formed from an electrical conductive material, such as metal.

Referring to FIGS. 21B and 22B, the multi-channeled front portion 271′of the frame portion 242′ can have a first channel 248′, a secondchannel 246′, and a third channel 278. The first channel can be formedby arms 268′ and 286′, which generally extend perpendicularly outwardfrom the planar rear surface 244′ at an interface between a first end258′ of the arms 268′ and 286′, and the planar rear surface 244′. Asecond end 250′ of the arms 268′ and 286′ can include contours that formthe second and third pairs of channels 246′, 278′.

The second channel 246′ can be formed between the planar rear surface244′ and the arms 268′ and 286′. For example, the arms 268′ and 286′ andthe rear planar surface 244′ can form the channel 246′. As depicted inFIGS. 21B and 22B, the channel 246′ can be U-shaped and open outwardlyaway from the planar rear surface 244′ and towards the second end 250′.The second channel 246′ can be configured to receive a portion of theshelf assemblies as described in more detail herein. In exemplaryembodiments, as depicted in FIG. 22B, the channel second channel 246′can be configured to receive the power track insert portion 252′ suchthat the channel 246′ retains the power track insert portion 252′ in themulti-channel front portion 271′.

The third channel 278′ can be formed by the arm 268′, and can be spacedapart from the rear planar surface 244′ such that the power track insertportions 252′ can be recessed with respect to the channel 278′ when thepower track insert portion 252′ is inserted into the second channel246′. The channel 278′ can be a J-shaped channel in parallel with therear planar surface 244′. The channel 278′ can be configured to receiveand selectively retain a side edge of a front panel to hold the frontpanel in a common plane with respect to the vertical upright 118′.

The J-shape of the channel 278′ can be formed by wall portions 276′,262′, and 280′. The wall portion 276′ can be formed by the arm 268′ andcan have a terminal end 277′ and connecting end 279′. The wall portion276′ can be spaced away from and extend parallel to the rear planarsurface 244′. The wall portion 262′ is formed by the arm 268′ andextends perpendicularly to and away from the rear planar surface 244′from the connecting end 281′ of the wall portion 262′ to a connectingend 283′ of a wall portion 280′, which is formed by the arm 280′ andextends from the connecting end 287′ to a terminal end 285′ in parallelto the rear planar surface 244′ and the wall portion 276′, and in acommon direction as the wall portion 276′. The wall portion 280′ has alength that is less than the length of the wall portion 267′.

FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary cooperative engagement between a verticalupright and a cross bar assembly. As shown in FIG. 23, the lower wallassembly 288 includes a lower cross bar 128, a left vertical upright232, a double vertical upright 190, and a back panel 142. In the presentembodiment, the left vertical upright 232 and the double verticalupright 190 can be fully seated with the bottom edge of the leftvertical upright 290 and the double vertical upright 296 flush mountedagainst the bottom lip 294 of the lower cross bar 128. The front hook172 can align with and extend through openings 117 in the left verticalupright 232 and the double vertical upright 190 to create a verticaloffset between the opening 117 so that the hook 172 abuts a surface ofthe body of the vertical upright 232 and 190 to selectively retain thevertical upright 232, 190 to the crossbar.

FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the power supply 126 beingmounted to the back panel 142 of the vertical support structure. In someembodiments the power supply 126 can be operatively coupled to the crossbar 124 and can be configured to provide electricity to the merchandisedisplay wall system 100. For example, a power supply bracket 298 can bedetachably coupled to the cross bar 124 and the power supply 126 can bemounted to the bracket 298. In some embodiments, the power supply 126can be operatively coupled to the lower cross bar 128 or the back panel142. The power supply 126 can be reset, removed or rearranged, with thevertical uprights 118 and cross bars 124, 128 or independent of thevertical uprights 118 and the cross bars 124, 128. Reconfiguration canbe used to adapt to new power requirements of product displays or toadapt to retail facility resets.

FIG. 25 depicts a front perspective view illustrating an attachment ofthe front panels 120 to the wall assembly 130. In some embodiments thefront panel 120 can be operatively coupled to the vertical uprights 118.For example, as described above, the vertical uprights includeJ-channels that are configured to receive a side edge of front panels120. For J-channels of adjacent vertical uprights can each receive aside edge of one of the front panels 120 by sliding or snapping thefront panel into the J-channels from a vertical or horizontal position.As such, the J-channels of adjacent vertical uprights can provide atrack for retaining the front panels. In some embodiments, the frontpanel 120 may have a uniform front surface extending from the top edgeto the bottom edge of the back panel 142.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front panels 120 may have aknock out 300 to provide access to a component positioned on the backpanel 142 or cross bars 124, 128, such as the power supply 126 or thelike. In some embodiments, the knock out 300 can be positioned along thetop edge, bottom edge, side edge, or without contacting any edges of thefront panel in which the knock is formed. In exemplary embodiments, themerchandise display wall system 100 can have a reconfigurablearrangement allowing for one or more of the front panels 120 to bereset, removed or rearranged, either as group or independent of oneanother. In exemplary embodiments, the panel 120 can be formed of aplastic material or an alternate electrically isolating material.

FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary embodiment of top caps 122 beingoperatively coupled to the wall assembly 130. The top caps 122 can eachinclude an elongate housing 325 and an electric harness 310. Theelongate housing 325 of the top caps 122 can be formed using anysuitable materials including, plastic, fiberglass, and the like. Inexemplary embodiments, the top cap 122 can be coupled to the wallassembly 130, by placing the elongate housing 325 of top caps 122perpendicular to the vertical uprights 118 and the front panels 120 andoperatively coupling the top caps 122 to the vertical uprights 118. Theharness 310 of the top caps 122 can be configured to provide electricityto the merchandise display wall system 100 from the power supply 126.For example, the harnesses can receive electricity from the power supply126 and can be in electrical contact with the power track insertportions of the vertical uprights to provide electricity to the verticaluprights. The top caps 122 can be detachably coupled to the verticaluprights by a friction fit, a snap fit, or the like.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate the structure of the top cap and depict howand where it attached to the wall assembly 130. FIG. 27 depicts anexemplary embodiment of a front perspective view of the top capconfigured to engage the wall assembly. FIG. 28 depicts a more detailedview of a portion of the top cap features shown in FIG. 27. As shown inFIG. 28, the top cap connects to the conducting portion of the verticalupright (e.g., power track insert portions 206, 208, or both).

In an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, thehousing 325 of the top cap 122 can include a front surface 314configured to fit around the perimeter of the wall assembly 130,including the vertical uprights 118 and the front panels 120. A rearsurface 309 can include cut outs 312 configured to provide ports for thewire harness 310 to enter and exit the housing 325. The wiring harness310 can be operatively coupled to the power supply 126 to supply powerfrom the power supply 126 to the power track insert portions of thevertical uprights 118, while the frame portion of the vertical uprightselectrically insulates the power insert track portions from the othercomponents of the wall assembly 130. The top cap 122 can be configuredwith electrical contacts 308 that can be detachably and electricallycoupled to the vertical uprights 118. For example, in some embodiments,electrical contacts 308 coupled to the wire harness 310. The electricalcontacts 308 can be in electrical contact with a pair of adjacentvertical uprights of the wall assembly 130 (e.g., one of the electricalcontacts 308 can be electrically coupled to a power track insert portionin one of the vertical uprights in the pair and one of the electricalcontacts 308 in the top cap 122 can be electrically coupled to a powertrack insert portion in the other vertical upright in the pair). Inexemplary embodiments, the power supply 126 may provide power to one ormore of the top caps 122 of the wall assembly 130. For example, in someembodiments, the wire harnesses 310 of the top caps 122 can be connectedin series with each other and with the power supply 126, as described inmore detail below.

Referring still to FIGS. 27 and 28, once the wire harness 310 iselectrically coupled to the power supply 126 and one or more verticaluprights 118, the power supply 126 can provide electricity or power to ashelf assembly to power the shelf assembly. For example, the shelfassembly can include electrical circuitry to illuminate one or moreareas of the wall assembly 130 such that electricity from the powersupply can flow through the wire harness 310 of the top cap 122 and oneor more power track insert portions of one or more vertical uprights 118and to the shelf assembly to energize the electrical circuitry.

FIG. 29 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the topcap 122 of the wall assembly 130. Referring to FIG. 29, the housing 325of the top cap 122 can include a front surface 314, a top surface 326, arear surface 328 and end walls 318. In some embodiments, the frontsurface 314 of the top cap 122 can extend along the horizontal axis in agenerally linear manner. The side walls 318 can extend between the frontsurface 314 and the rear surface 328. The side walls 318 can extend fromthe top surface 326 downward, terminating before the bottom edge of theside wall becomes flush with the bottom edge of the front surface 314and the rear surface 328.

A wire assembly of the top cap 122 includes the wiring harness 310, oranywhere in between mating electrical connectors 324, electricalcontacts 308 and external connectors 322. The mating electricalconnectors 324 can be disposed at terminal ends of the wiring harness310 and can be detachably coupled to the electrical contacts 308. Thewire harness 310 can be operatively coupled to the housing 325 of thetop cap 122 with fasteners 330, such as rivets, screws, bolts, or thelike. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical contacts 308 caninclude a hole 311 that is configured to align with a hole 331 formed inthe top surface 326 of the housing 325. The fastener can be configuredto extend through the top surface 326 and engage the hole 311 in theelectrical contact 308 to secure the assembled wire harness 308 to thehousing 325. The electrical contacts 308 can be electrically coupled tomating connector 324 formed by a pair of resilient prongs. In someembodiments, the mating connector 324 can be configured to directlyengage the power track insert portions of a vertical upright to securethe top cap 122 to the wall assembly 130 and provide electrical power tothe power track insert portions.

The external connectors 322 can be configured to electrically connectthe top cap 122 to other top caps 122 and to a power supply (e.g., thepower supply 126). In some embodiments, the top cap 122 can include twoof the external connectors 322, where a first one of the externalconnectors can be connected to receive electricity from a component,such as a power supply or another top cap and a second one of theexternal connectors 322 can be configured to provide electricity flowingthrough the top cap to another component, such as another top cap 122.

FIG. 30 depicts a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofan interior of an assembled top cap. The wiring harness 310 can beconfigured to the second connector 322, which can be coupled to a powersupply. The wiring harness 310 can extend from the rear surface 326through wire knockouts 312. Within the top cap 122 the wiring harness310 can be disposed to extend the length of the inner cavity. Theelectrical connectors 308 can be detachably coupled to the matingconnector 324 and can be disposed proximate to the side walls 318 of thetop cap.

FIG. 31 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the topcap 122′ of the wall assembly. Referring to FIG. 31, the housing 325′ ofthe top cap 122′ can include a front surface 314′, a top surface 326′, arear surface 328′ and end walls 318′. In some embodiments, the frontsurface 314′ of the top cap 122′ can extend along the horizontal axis ina generally linear manner. The side walls 318′ can extend between thefront surface 314′ and the rear surface 328′. The side walls 318′ canextend from the top surface 326′ downward, terminating before the bottomedge of the side wall becomes flush with the bottom edge of the frontsurface 314′ and the rear surface 328′.

A wire assembly of the top cap 122′ includes the wiring harness 310′, oranywhere in between mating electrical connectors 324′, electricalcontacts 308′ and external connectors 322′. The mating electricalconnectors 324′ can be disposed at terminal ends of the wiring harness310′ and can be detachably coupled to the electrical contacts 308′. Thewire harness 310′ can be operatively coupled to the housing 325′ of thetop cap 122′ with fasteners 330′, such as rivets, screws, bolts, or thelike. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical contacts 308′ caninclude a hole 311′ that is configured to align with a hole 331′ formedin the top surface 326′ of the housing 325′. The fastener can beconfigured to extend through the top surface 326′ and engage the hole311′ in the electrical contact 308′ to secure the assembled wire harness308′ to the housing 325′. The electrical contacts 308′ can beelectrically coupled to mating connector 324′ formed by a pair ofresilient prongs. In some embodiments, the mating connector 324′ can beconfigured to directly engage the power track insert portions of avertical upright to secure the top cap 122′ to the wall assembly andprovide electrical power to the power track insert portions.

The external connectors 322′ can be configured to electrically connectthe top cap 122′ to other top caps 122′ and to a power supply (e.g., thepower supply 126). In some embodiments, the top cap 122′ can include twoof the external connectors 322′, where a first one of the externalconnectors can be connected to receive electricity from a component,such as a power supply or another top cap and a second one of theexternal connectors 322′ can be configured to provide electricityflowing through the top cap to another component, such as another topcap 122′.

FIG. 32 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aportion of the wall assembly 130 showing electrical connections betweenthe top caps 122 a-d of the wall assembly. The vertical supportstructure 132 has been omitted from FIG. 32 to show a connection betweenother components of the wall assembly 130. As depicted in FIG. 32, thecross bar 124 can be configured to receive the vertical uprights 118 andthe power supply bracket 298. The power supply 126 can be detachablycoupled to the power supply bracket 298. A front panel 120 can bedetachably coupled to the vertical uprights 118.

In an exemplary embodiment, the top caps 122 a-d can be detachablycoupled to the top of the vertical uprights 118. The wiring harnesses310 a-d can extend from the top caps 122 a-d, through wire knockouts312, toward the rear side of the merchandise display wall system 100.The wire harnesses 310 a-d can be electrically coupled to the powersupply 126 to receive power from the power supply 126 and to providepower to the vertical uprights 118. In some embodiments, the wiringharnesses 310 a-d can be connected in series with each other. The wiringharnesses 310 a-d can be detachably coupled to each other via theexternal connectors 322 a-d. For example, detachably coupling severalharnesses 310 a-d via the external connectors 322 a-d can provide powerto the top caps 122 a-d and vertical uprights 118 from a single powersupply.

As depicted in FIG. 32, the power supply 126, top caps 122 a-d, andvertical uprights 118 can be connected. As described below withreference to FIG. 33, shelf assemblies can be connected between adjacentvertical uprights 118 to complete the series circuit. To form the seriescircuit, an input to the power supply 126 can be received via anelectrical outlet or terminal and an output of the power supply 126 canbe connected to the top cap 122 a via one of the external connectors 322a of the top cap 122 a. The other one of the external connector 322 acan form an output of the top cap 122 b and can be connected to one ofthe external connectors 322 b (e.g., an input) of the top cap 122 b. Theother one of the external connectors 322 b can form an output of the topcap 122 b and can be connected to one of the external connectors 322 c(e.g., an input) of the top cap 122 c. The other one of the externalconnectors 322 c can form an output of the top cap 122 c and can beconnected to one of the external connectors 322 d (e.g., an input) ofthe top cap 122 d.

In some embodiments, each of the top caps 122 a-d may be powered inparallel or a combination of series and parallel by a power supply 126.In some embodiments, the power supply 126 can be used to power a seriesof top caps 122 a-d on a single merchandise display wall system 100and/or can be used to power a series of top caps 122 a-d on a pluralityof different merchandise display wall systems 100. The power supply 126can be positioned at the end of a cross bar 124 or can be positioned inthe center of the cross bar 124.

FIG. 33 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofan assembled wall assembly 130 with shelf assemblies 106 and light boxes116 being attached thereto. In an example embodiment, circuitryincluding a light source included in one or more of the shelf assemblies106 and light boxes 116 can be detachably coupled to the verticalupright 118 of the wall assembly 130. Electrical power can be providedfrom the power supply 126 through the top caps 122 to the verticaluprights 118 and to the shelf assemblies 106 and light boxes. Powerflows from the power supply 126 through the first top cap 122 and thencan be transmitted through the power insert track portions of thevertical uprights 118 to the shelf assembly 106. For example, in someembodiments, one of the top caps can connect to power track insertportions of adjacent vertical uprights, with a first one of the verticaluprights receiving the electricity from the top cap 122 and a second oneof the vertical uprights 118 returning electricity to the top cap 122.

The shelf assemblies 106 and light boxes 116 can be electricallyconnected to power track insert portions in any of the vertical uprights118 by electrically conductive arms when the shelf assemblies 106 andlight boxes 116 are mounted to the wall assembly and can provide anelectrical connection between the adjacent vertical uprights 118 tocomplete (or close) the circuit with the top cap 122. In someembodiments, when the shelf assemblies 106 and light boxes 116 areremoved from the adjacent vertical uprights 118 the circuit can break(or open) the circuit such that the vertical upright that returnselectricity to the top cap 122 is not energized while the verticalupright that receives electricity from the top cap 122 is energized to avoltage potential.

In some embodiments, the shelf assemblies 106 and/or the light boxes 116can be adjustably spaced along the merchandise display wall system 100.For example, the shelf assemblies 106 can be attached to the merchandisedisplay wall system 100 with a uniform spacing between the shelfassemblies 106 and/or can be attached to the merchandise display wallsystem 100 with different or variable spacing between the shelfassemblies 106.

FIG. 34 depicts a front perspective view of a universal base frame thatcan be used to form the shelf assemblies depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B(e.g., the brush display shelf assembly 104, the peg hook shelf assembly108, the divider tray shelf assembly 110, the Bon Bon tray shelfassembly 112, and the trim tray shelf assembly 114). As shown in FIG.34, the base frame 340 includes side walls 342 extending between a rearwall 344 and a front wall 346. In the present embodiment, the side walls342 can be opposingly spaced and can extend parallel to each other.Likewise, the rear wall 344 and the front wall 346 can be opposinglyspaced and can extend parallel to each other. The side walls 342 cangenerally extend perpendicularly from the rear wall 344 and the frontwall 346 such that the base frame 340 has a rectangular configuration.The side walls 342, rear wall 344, and front wall 346 can define aperimeter of the base frame 340.

The electrically conductive arms 343 can be disposed within the sidewalls 342. A rear terminal end 347 of the electrically conductive armscan extend beyond the rear wall 344 of the base frame 340 and caninclude toothed fastening members 349 having generally serrated edges.The toothed fastening members 349 can be used to selectively attach thebase frame 340 to the vertical uprights 118 of the wall system 100. Inexemplary embodiments, the electrically conductive arms 343 can beformed of a metallic material. When the electrically conductive armsengage the wall assembly 120, electricity flows from the verticaluprights 118 through the electrically conductive arms and to thecircuitry to energize the light source.

In the present embodiment, an informational display member 348 can bedetachably coupled to the front wall 346 of the base frame 340. Theinformational display member 348 can receive display materials includingdisplay materials corresponding to product information, priceinformation, store information, and/or any suitable information relatedto the one or more products to be supported and/or displayed by theassembled shelves.

FIG. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplaryembodiment of a shelf assembly 106 to depict a light source module 350.As depicted in FIG. 35, the light source module 216 can include acircuit board 360 having electronic circuitry and light emitting diodes(LEDs) 326. The light source module 350 can be selectively coupled tothe base frame 340 with connector mating members 352 configured toreceive the connector mating members 354 of the light source 350. Theside wall 342 of the base frame 340 can include electrically conductivearms 356 that can be configured to the conductive mounting members 358extending from the circuit board 360 of the light source 350. The lightsource module 350 can be selectively coupled to the base frame 340 withmolded snaps 352 configured to receive the molded snap mating members354 of the light source 350. The side wall 342 of the base frame 340 caninclude electrically conductive arms 356 that can be in electricalcontact with the conductive mounting members 358 extending from thecircuit board 360 of the light source 350. When the shelf assembly 106is mounted to the vertical uprights of embodiments of the wall assembly,electricity can flow from a vertical upright into one of the electricalconductive arms 356 of the shelf assembly 106, through the circuit board360 to energize the LEDs 326. After the electricity flows through thecircuit board 360, the electricity can flow from the circuit board 360to the other electrically conductive arm of the shelf assembly and to areturn vertical upright.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expresslynoted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, butrather that additions and modifications to what is expressly describedherein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, itis to be understood that the features of the various embodimentsdescribed herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in variouscombinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutationsare not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A modular wall assembly configured to provide electrical power to a shelf assembly, the wall assembly comprising: a vertically oriented back panel; a cross bar horizontally and detachably mounted to the back panel; an electrically conductive insert; a vertical upright that forms an end assembly, the vertical upright detachably mounted to the cross bar and having an electrically non-conductive frame, the vertical upright including: a planar rear surface; a first arm extending from the planar rear surface; a second arm extending from the planar rear surface, the second arm being spaced away from the first arm and the planar rear surface, the first arm, and the second arm forming a first U-shaped channel; a pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels including a second U-shaped channel formed at an end of the first arm and a third U-shaped channel formed at an end of the second arm, the pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels open towards each other and are configured to receive the electrically conductive insert within the pair of U-shaped channels, such that the pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels retain the electrically conductive insert in parallel relation to the vertically oriented back panel; a first J-shaped channel distanced further away from the rear planar surface than the pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels, the first J-shaped channel extending continuously along a longitudinal side edge of the electrically non-conductive frame and configured to receive a front panel to cover at least a portion of the vertically oriented back panel; and a top cap disposed along an upper edge of the vertically oriented back panel and in electrical contact with the electrically conductive insert of the vertical upright.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each end of the cross bar has a bracket and the back panel is configured to receive the bracket at each end of the cross bar to detachably couple the cross bar to the vertically oriented back panel.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cross bar includes a plurality of mating members disposed along a length of the cross bar and the vertical upright includes openings configured to receive the mating members to detachably couple the vertical upright to the crossbar.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a power supply mounted to the back panel, the power supply being electrically coupled to the top cap to provide electricity to the top cap.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of U-shaped channels is continuously open towards each other along a length of the electrically non-conductive frame.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the vertical upright further includes a J-shaped second channel adjacent to the J-shaped first channel extending continuously along the longitudinal side edge of the electrically non-conductive frame.
 7. A merchandise display system, comprising: a wall assembly, the wall assembly including: a vertically oriented back panel; a cross bar horizontally and detachably mounted to the back panel; an electrically conductive insert; a vertical upright that forms an end assembly, the vertical upright detachably mounted to the cross bar and having an electrically non-conductive frame having: a planar rear surface; a first arm extending from the planar rear surface; a second arm extending from the planar rear surface, the second arm being spaced away from the first arm and the planar rear surface, the first arm, and the second arm forming a first U-shaped channel; a pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels including a second U-shaped channel formed at an end of the first arm and a third U-shaped channel formed at an end of the second arm, the pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels open towards each other and configured to receive the electrically conductive insert within the pair of U-shaped channels, such that the pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels retain the electrically conductive insert in parallel relation to the vertically oriented back panel; a first J-shaped channel distanced further away from the rear planar surface than the pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels, the first J-shaped channel extending continuously along a longitudinal side edge of the electrically non-conductive frame and configured to receive a front panel to cover at least a portion of the vertically oriented back panel; and a top cap disposed along an upper edge of the back panel and in electrical contact with the vertical upright to provide electricity to the vertical upright; a shelf assembly, the shelf assembly including: an area configured to hold merchandise for display; first and second electrically conductive support arms extending from the shelf assembly, the shelf assembly being detachably mounted to the wall assembly via the first and second electrically conductive arms so that at least one of the first and second electrically conductive arms are in electrical contact with the vertical upright to receive electricity from the vertical upright; and circuitry selectively engaging the first and second electrically conductive arms to energize a light source.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein each end of the cross bar has a bracket and the back panel is configured to receive the bracket at each end of the cross bar to detachably couple the cross bar to the vertically oriented back panel.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the cross bar includes a plurality of mating members disposed along a length of the cross bar and the vertical upright includes openings configured to receive the mating members to detachably couple the vertical upright to the crossbar.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the wall assembly further comprises a power supply mounted to the back panel, the power supply being electrically coupled to the top cap to provide electricity to the top cap.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the wall assembly further comprises a recessed surface of the vertically oriented back panel, configured to be recessed with respect to a side edge element disposed along a vertical side edge of the vertically oriented back panel.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the wall assembly further comprises a flush surface of the vertically oriented back panel, configured to be flush with respect to a side edge element disposed along a vertical side edge of the vertically oriented back panel.
 13. The system of claim 7, wherein the cross bar includes a bracket extending outwardly from a recessed surface of the vertically oriented back panel, the bracket being configured to bridge a gap created by the recessed surface.
 14. The system of claim 7, wherein the cross bar has a plurality of brackets configured to attach to a plurality of mounting geometries on the vertically oriented back panel.
 15. The system of claim 7, wherein the pair of U-shaped channels is continuously open towards each other along a length of the electrically non-conductive frame.
 16. The system of claim 7, wherein the electrically non-conductive frame further has a J-shaped second channel adjacent to the J-shaped first channel and extending continuously along the longitudinal side edge of the electrically non-conductive frame.
 17. A method of configuring a reconfigurable merchandise display, comprising: securing a cross bar to a vertically oriented back panel; securing a vertical upright that forms an end assembly to the cross bar, the vertical upright having (i) an electrically non-conductive frame, (ii) a planar rear surface, (iii) a first arm extending from the planar rear surface, (iv) a second arm extending from the planar rear surface, the second arm being spaced away from the first arm and the planar rear surface, the first arm, and the second arm forming a first U-shaped channel, (v) a pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels including a second U-shaped channel formed at an end of the first arm and a third U-shaped channel formed at an end of the second arm, the pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels open towards each other and configured to receive an electrically conductive insert within the pair of U-shaped channels, such that the pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels retain the electrically conductive insert in parallel relation to the vertically oriented back panel, and (vi) a first J-shaped channel distanced further away from the rear planar surface than the pair of opposingly spaced U-shaped channels, the first J-shaped channel extending continuously along a longitudinal side edge of the electrically non-conductive frame and configured to receive a front panel to cover at least a portion of the vertically oriented back panel; inserting the electrically conductive insert into the pair of U-shaped channels formed in the electrically non-conductive frame; securing a top cap in electrical contact with the electrically conductive insert of the vertical upright; securing a shelf assembly to the vertical upright, the shelf assembly including an area configured to hold merchandise for display, first and second electrically conductive support arms extending from the shelf assembly, and circuitry selectively engaging the electrically conductive arms; and electrically coupling a power supply mounted to the vertically oriented back panel to the top cap to provide electricity to the top cap, wherein electricity flows from the top cap through the vertical upright to the first or second electrically conductive arm to supply the electricity to the circuitry.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: configuring the cross bar to include a plurality of cross brackets disposed along a front wall of the cross bar; attaching an attachment member of the vertical upright to the cross brackets, wherein the cross brackets are configured to receive the attachment member to detachably couple the vertical upright to the cross bar.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the reconfigurable merchandise display comprises a base frame, and the method comprises coupling a detachable object support structure having a plurality of settings for modular reconfiguration to the base frame.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the reconfigurable merchandise display comprises a base frame, and wherein the circuitry is held in electrical contact with the electrically conductive arms via a friction fit between the circuitry and the base frame.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the vertical upright further has a J-shaped second channel adjacent to the J-shaped first channel and extending continuously along the longitudinal side edge of the electrically non-conductive frame. 